Chris Marks, LMFT, LMHC, LPC

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Hi, I'm Chris Marks, a licensed therapist working with individuals, couples, and teens navigating life's challenges. My approach is straightforward, collaborative, and relational, with an emphasis on understanding the patterns that influence how we think, feel, and connect with others. In addition to my clinical work, I'm involved in clinical supervision, supporting developing therapists as they build confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and find their own therapeutic voice. I believe meaningful growth comes through genuine connection, honest conversations, and a willingness to explore new perspectives. 

Schedule Appointment

Who I Work With

  • Teens ages 13–17
  • Adults 
  • Individual clients
  • Couples 

Common Concerns I Help With

  • Anxiety 
  • Behavioral concerns
  • Couples concerns 
  • Depression 
  • Grief and loss 
  • Identity development 
  • Life transitions 
  • Relationship concerns 
  • Self-esteem 
  • Stress and burnout 
  • Trauma/PTSD 

What Therapy With Me Feels Like

  • Warm 
  • Direct 
  • Grounded 
  • Compassionate 
  • Practical
  • Trauma-informed 

Therapy with me is collaborative, straightforward, and relational, with room for humor, honest conversations, and meaningful reflection. I'm an active participant in the process, offering insight, asking challenging questions, and helping clients recognize patterns that may be keeping them stuck. My approach balances exploring the deeper emotional and relational experiences that shape us with developing practical tools for navigating life's challenges. I want clients to feel comfortable being themselves, knowing they can expect genuine support, honest feedback, and a space where they can explore difficult experiences without judgment 

Therapy Approaches I Use

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy
  • Family Systems Therapy 
  • Gottman Method 
  • Relational therapy
  • Other Psychodynamic Therapy / TLDP 

Location

  • Telehealth for Washington State residents
  • Other location: 323 E 2nd Ave Spokane, WA 99202 

Insurance & Payment

  • Accepts insurance through Life Directions Counseling 
  • Self-pay 

Education & Training

MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, Whitworth University 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) 

Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 2), Emotionally Focused Therapy (Level 1), Motivational Interviewing (Level 2), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP). Additional areas of clinical focus and study include trauma and PTSD, military and veteran mental health, men's mental health, adolescent therapy, attachment, and relational dynamics. 

I work with men, military veterans, teens, and couples who are navigating challenges in their lives and relationships. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, relationship difficulties, or simply feeling stuck in familiar patterns, my goal is to help you better understand yourself and find meaningful ways to move forward. 

My approach to therapy is straightforward, collaborative, and relational. I'm not the kind of therapist who simply sits back, nods, and asks, "How does that make you feel?" I believe therapy works best when we're both actively engaged in the process. You can expect honest conversations, thoughtful questions, occasional humor, and sometimes a little challenging of the patterns or beliefs that may be getting in your way. 

I approach counseling primarily from a psychodynamic and relational perspective, meaning I'm interested in understanding not only what's happening in your life today, but also how your experiences, relationships, and learned behaviors have shaped the way you navigate the world. I also incorporate practical tools and strategies to help you manage difficult emotions, improve communication, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. 

As a retired Air Force veteran with over 20 years of military service, I bring firsthand understanding of military culture, transitions, and the challenges veterans and their families may experience. My clinical training includes Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and traumafocused approaches. 

Ultimately, I want therapy to feel like a place where you can show up as yourself, speak openly without judgment, and know that we're working together toward meaningful change. 

You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. If my approach sounds like a good fit for what you're looking for, I'd welcome the opportunity to work together